This month, Howard Center and its partner organizations mark the one-year anniversary of Mental Health Urgent Care (MHUC), a collaborative effort with the University of Vermont Medical Center, Community Health Centers, Pathways Vermont, and the Vermont Department of Mental Health.
This initiative aims to offer timely, person-centered care for those in need of immediate mental health support, while easing demand on emergency services. Approximately one-third of the individuals seen at the clinic said they would have gone to the emergency room for services. Instead, they find the support they need at MHUC, and as one guest says, “Thank you so much for your help today. It was a great experience, and I learned a lot about other community services that could really help my situation. This is a very good place to go and get help while feeling in crisis.”
Charlotte McCorkel, Howard Center’s Senior Director of Client Services, says, “Mental Health Urgent Care has been a wonderful addition to our programming. Its success over the past year reflects the strength of our collaborative partnership and the way we have worked seamlessly to best serve and support our guests.”
MHUC serves adults over 18 who are looking for immediate support, experiencing mental health concerns or distress. This may include adults with a complex diagnosis, in a suicide crisis, looking for peer support, or have co-occurring medical conditions. MHUC focuses specifically on mental health and well-being and provides person-centered, equitable, and coordinated care tailored to meet each guest’s needs, within a trauma-informed environment.
Whether someone is seeking help with their mental health for the first time or has experienced previous concerns, caring staff members provide support without judgement or stigma. As one staff member shared, “This is a place where you can come and just be you. It’s ok to not be ok, and we’re not going to try to fix you. We’re here to support you.”
Following an assessment, staff help determine the next steps, including referrals to other programs and identifying natural supports, such as family and friends.
Since it opened in October 2024, the clinic has provided services to approximately 65 unique visitors per month, with a total of more than 1600 visits, including individuals who visit the clinic more than once. More than half of all visitors are self-referred, and the majority reside in Chittenden County.
MHUC is located at 1 South Prospect Street, Arnold Building, 4th Floor in Burlington. Hours are Monday-Friday, 9:00 am to 5:00 pm. No appointment is needed, and walk-ins are welcome. Parking is free, and the program is easily accessed by public transportation.
For more information, please contact Denise Vignoe at DVignoe@howardcenter.org or 802-488-6912.
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ABOUT HOWARD CENTER: Howard Center has a long and rich history as a trusted provider in the community. With a legacy spanning 160 years, we have been providing progressive, compassionate, high-quality care and support to those in need. Today, we offer an array of exemplary mental health, substance use, and developmental services across the lifespan. As Vermont’s largest social service organization, our 1,300 staff help more than 19,000 people each year in over 60 locations throughout Vermont in collaboration with dozens of community partners. Howard Center’s 24/7/365 crisis service, First Call for Chittenden County, is available to meet the needs of Chittenden County children, adults, and families in crisis by calling 802-488-7777 or 988. www.howardcenter.org. Help is here. A United Way of Northwest Vermont Funded Agency.